Doctor Explains HOW TO DO THE 16-8 INTERMITTENT FASTING DIET | Weight Loss, Blood Sugar Control [639ec5]

Understanding Your Blood Sugar Range: A Guide to medical term for low sugar in the blood Maintaining Optimal Health

Monitoring blood sugar levels is crucial for individuals living with diabetes or those who want to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The ideal blood sugar range varies depending on several factors, including age, sex, and medical conditions.

The American Diabetes Association recommends the following blood glucose targets:

• Before meals: 80-130 mg/dL
• After meals: Less than can steroids increase blood sugar levels 180 mg/dL

Maintaining these levels can be challenging without proper monitoring techniques. A glucometer is an essential tool for measuring blood sugar at home, providing accurate readings and helping individuals make informed decisions about their diet and exercise routine.

The Connection Between Diet and Blood Sugar Levels

Diet plays a significant role in maintaining healthy blood sugar ranges. Certain foods help stabilize blood sugar levels, while others can cause fluctuations. For example:

• Complex carbohydrates like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables are rich in fiber, which slows down blood sugar fasting level the absorption of glucose into the bloodstream.
• Foods high on the glycemic index (GI) can cause a rapid increase in blood sugar levels.

On the other hand, some foods to avoid include refined sugars, sugary drinks, and saturated fats. A balanced diet that emphasizes whole foods can help regulate blood sugar levels and maintain optimal health.

The Impact of Physical Activity on Blood Sugar Levels

Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining healthy blood sugar ranges. Exercise helps:

• Increase insulin sensitivity
• Improve glucose uptake in the muscles
• Enhance weight management

Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise, or a combination of both per week.

Stress and Blood Sugar Fluctuations: What You Need to Know

Chronic stress can have a significant impact on blood sugar levels. Stress hormones like cortisol cause:

• Increased glucose release from the liver
• Insulin resistance

To manage stress-related blood sugar fluctuations, try relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.

Achieving and Sustaining a Healthy Blood Sugar Range

Maintaining a healthy weight through a combination of diet and exercise can help regulate blood sugar levels. Additionally:

• Get enough sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night
• Manage stress effectively

Individuals with diabetes should work closely with their healthcare provider to develop a personalized plan for managing their condition.

The Importance of Tracking Your Blood Sugar Range

Monitoring blood sugar levels regularly can help individuals identify trends and make informed decisions about their lifestyle. It's essential to track readings at the same time each day, including:

• Before meals
• After waking up

This data will provide valuable insights into an individual's overall health status.

Maintaining a Healthy Blood Sugar Range: A Balanced Approach

To maintain healthy blood sugar ranges, focus on developing habits that promote optimal glucose regulation. This includes monitoring techniques like glucometers and CGM devices, diet management through whole foods, regular physical activity, stress reduction strategies, adequate sleep duration, and maintaining a healthy weight.

By incorporating these tips into daily life, individuals can effectively manage their blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of related complications.

In this video Doctor O'Donovan explains 16:8 intermittent fasting - a popular type of intermittent fasting that involves fasting for 16 hours and an 8 hour eating window. In this video he explains what 16:8 fasting is, what time windows you might want to choose for your fast, food groups to consider and benefits and drawbacks of intermittent fasting. Intermittent fasting is when you alternate between periods of eating and fasting. This type of eating is often described as "patterns" or "cycles" of fasting. Intermittent fasting isn't about starving yourself - it's about cutting way back on calories for short time periods. The belief is that your body becomes satisfied with smaller portions while also reducing cravings for unhealthy snack foods. That is, as long as you maintain a healthy diet while trying it all out. In the video we cover: 00:00 - Introduction to 16:8 Intermittent Fasting 01:08 - Picking a time window for 16:8 fasting 02:42 - Some foods and drinks to consider during 16:8 fasting 04:07 - Potential benefits of 16:8 intermittent fasting 05:00 - Potential drawbacks of 16:8 intermittent fasting 06:14 - Top tips Many diets focus on what to eat, but intermittent fasting is all about when you eat. With intermittent fasting, you only eat during a specific time. Research shows fasting for a certain number of hours each day or eating just one meal a couple days a week may have health benefits - for example for loosing weight and for better control of diabetes. Further information: My other popular video covering an OVERVIEW of IF: What supplements and vitamins can you take when doing IF? : NHS information on Intermittent fasting: Patient Information: #doctor #diabetes #intermittentfasting #weightloss #health #medical #fasting #intermittentfastingforbeginners #bloodsugar #diet ************************************************************************ Connect through: YouTube: www.youtube.com/doctorodonovan​ TikTok: @doctorodonovan ************************************************************************** Disclaimer: The video is intended as an educational resource only. The information within this video or on this channel isn't designed to replace professional input, so if you have any medical issues please consult a medical provider. No professional relationship is being created by watching this video. Dr. O'Donovan cannot give any individual medical advice. All information should be verified for accuracy by the individual user. Dr O'Donovan accepts no responsibility for individual interpretation of data, although it is always accurate to the best of his knowledge at the time of the video being published. This is an EDUCATIONAL video. Images are used in accordance with fair use guidelines. Legal information: Content provided via YouTube is for general information purposes ONLY. Information videos are not produced to provide individualised medical advice. Medical education videos on Doctor O'Donovan are not a substitute for professional professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. NEVER ignore professional medical advice because of something you have heard here. ALWAYS consult your doctor regarding any concerns about your condition or treatment.